Built In Cabinetry

I’m just beginning work with Sally on a project in Wellesley – a beautiful four square home whose interior trim and millwork are in need of a serious update. Late this afternoon, using Winterthur’s Marlboro Room as inspiration, I quickly sketched a “cartoon” of the mantel and built-in cabinetry in the den.

Simple profiles and rearranged proportions to fit the room to create two possibilities. On the left, the upper cabinet could be done with either solid raised door panels or with glass and mullions.

And as I am writing this, I see a second mantel idea. Pushes it toward a more Continental look. Hmmmm….

Sally and I would like to invite you to attend our presentation on “Creating French Style in your Home” on March 22, during Boston Design Week. See the Eventbrite link HERE.

We saw/absorbed/learned so much during our two recent trips to Paris, much of which confirmed our latent suspicion that French Style is, in fact, very different than English/American Style.

Perhaps if the French had won the 7 Years War (French and Indian War) I would be writing this post in French. Or more than likely an entirely different post… Yes, history has played it’s part. The upshot for me is French Style – it’s interior architecture, decor, etc. regardless of the period or station is sexier and more emotional. It expresses itself with more freedom.

We all know, admire, even love French Style’s past – Versailles, with it’s tall ceilings, ornamentation, parquet floors are benchmarks. We hold in high esteem.

Then there’s the classic simplicity found through much of Petit Trianon. Mmmm!

But what’s more exciting is where French Style is today. How has it evolved and adapted and how can we bring it’s elements into our own homes today. There are so many ways that can satisfy – those with classical inclinations…

It’s funny how the stars align some times. And this was one of those times.

We’ve known for some time that our son and daughter-in-law were expecting. What we haven’t known was when the Grandparent Genes were going to kick in. It turned out it as in Paris, walking back from dinner on our last night – dinner given to us by Drew and Lindsay as a Christmas present. As we wandered along St. Germaine back to our hotel, a tiny shop window caught our eye – Au Nain Bleu. Full of beautiful toys and stuffed animals, all clearly hand made with wonderful attention to detail, we HAD to bring back something to our grand child to be! Checking the shop hours, we determined if we arose early we could race the several blocks to the store, purchase a “treasure” and be back to our hotel before the cab arrived to take us to the airport. Which is exactly what we did, finding the cutest little floppy eared bunny you ever seen!

Actually, it was hard to choose!

As Sally was completing the transaction and chatting with the owner, I found myself looking at the shop’s details thinking, “Awesome!!!” They might be useful in our presentation in French Style on March 22, during Boston Design Week. (More on the presentation another day.) Just look at the skinny concealed door with it’s hardware and the mirror to it’s left. What about the tall “column to it’s right? Delish! No?

Check out the cool pull out shelves! Oh, and wouldn’t you love the rocking sheep or a couple of those gorgeous blue push cars in the upper left corner? (They were flawless BTW…)